Residents upset as blasting work disrupts lives in Penang

Residents of Kingfisher Apartment at Island Park have complained of excessive noise, vibrations, and potential damage to their homes due to a major bypass project in Penang.

According to the residents, the problems started over a year ago, around February or March of 2023.

The close proximity of the construction site, situated just 150 meters away, has significantly impacted their lives.

The ‘Package 2’ project, aimed at reducing travel time between Air Itam and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, has sparked concerns in the Seri Delima constituency.

A project with a shaky start

The 5.7 km bypass promises a quicker commute but has come at a cost for residents living near the construction site.

Jennifer Ooi, a resident of Kingfisher Apartment located just 150 meters away, describes the daily disruptions.

“The noise from machinery starts as early as 8 am and goes on until 11 pm,” says Ooi.

“The blasting happens three times a day, shaking the entire building.”

Residents report cracks appearing in walls and ceilings, leading them to believe the construction is causing damage with cracks have started showing in more than 20 units at blocks 9, 10 and 11.

Adding to their worries, claims have been made that blasts are so strong they feel like earthquakes.

“There should be warnings before blasting,” says Ooi.

“They don’t do it all the time, and the blasts just go off. It’s affecting us mentally, especially children who can’t nap.”

Residents also fear for the safety of their property. “Stones and sand from the blasting recently hit cars,” says Ooi.

“We’re not against development, but we want them to care about our safety. We don’t want to be another Highland Towers tragedy,” referencing the 1993 condominium collapse in Kuala Lumpur.

Residents call for action

Seri Delima assembly representative Connie Tan Peng Hooi has voiced strong criticism of Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, the company responsible for the project.

Tan cites a lack of communication and disregard for residents’ well-being.

“Despite attempts to engage with the company, our requests have been met with inaction,” says Tan.

“Construction has also gone beyond permitted times, including Sundays and public holidays.”

Tan demands decisive action from the state government.

“The well-being of our community is paramount, and I will continue to fight for the rights and comfort of our residents,” she said.

We urge the authorities to investigate this matter and take appropriate action against the company for their negligent and disruptive conduct.”

Following this a stop-work order has been issued by Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang, according to the Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

This was in response to complaints by residents in the Seri Delima constituency towards disturbances caused by the construction of a bypass connecting Air Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway.

Citizen Journal has reached out to Consortium Zenith Construction for comments, but no response was received by the time of publication.